Vital Stats

Q

How did your bodybuilding journey begin?

I started lifting at the end of high school at age 16. I lived in a predominately Caucasian neighborhood that wasn't accepting of my Indian heritage. I was picked on, beat up, and tossed in lockers. If it weren't for what I went through, I wouldn't be half the man I am today. It made me look for a way to make it stop. As I got older, I tried sports, but it didn't go well. I was a decent athlete, but it didn't matter. People were still ignorant.

It got to a point where I didn't know what to do. I idolized big action heroes like Arnold, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. I saw their bodies and thought if I looked like them people wouldn't mess with me. That's why I started training during my junior year of high school. By the start of my senior year, no one bothered me and I actually became popular. I have been working out since, minus a few off years due to various injuries (severe hernia, MCL tear, labral tear, and metal plates in my left arm). I also took time off to deal with a bad relationship that led to depression. The fitness lifestyle is the highlight of my day and enhances every aspect of my life.

Cool Fact

Sahil just gave up his career in investment banking to pursue federal law enforcement and keep crime off the streets!

What workout regimen delivered the best results?

My training changes constantly. The core principles always remain intact, but exercises change weekly, especially around competition time. My current regimen is a density and strength routine. I finished my first competition on June 29, 2013, and will compete again on November 9, 2013.

I do 10 mixed sets of ab work with weights and 2 sets without weights. I also do 10 minutes of cardio before and after each workout. This training plan is a creation of my trainer, Jamal Hamid, and myself.

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What nutrition plan fueled your body?

This is the nutrition plan I use for peak week to stay lean. I don't want to be too heavy because I'm due for potential photo shoots and other opportunities that may arise. This nutrition plan is a creation of my trainer, Jamal Hamid, and myself.

"The fitness lifestyle is the highlight of my day and enhances every aspect of my life."

How did your passion for bodybuilding emerge?

The passion emerged from a need. I needed to be bigger, faster, and stronger to survive. The only way to gain respect was to demand it. I was always one of the brightest growing up, but that made me a nerd, which wasn't a fun title.

Seeing and reading about what bodybuilding greats overcame to reach their goals made me believe I could achieve a respectable build. As life went on, my goals progressed.

What/Who motivated you to be a bodybuilder?

I've always wanted to make a mark in the fitness industry. I'm passionate about health, fitness, and nutrition to a point where it's part of who I am. I was at a point in my life when I needed to take the next step in my training. I needed something to push me harder and challenge me physically and mentally. I wanted to prove to myself I could compete. Being on stage was my biggest fear. Being the center of attention and having everyone laugh at or reject me didn't sound fun. Now that I finished a competition, I can't wait for the next. It became a reason to train harder and push for that extra rep. The competition lifestyle belongs as a part of my life.

Where did you go for inspiration?

I looked in the mirror and asked myself three questions:

How many people believe in you? Are you ready to let them down?

How many people don't believe in you and want you to quit?

Why would you put yourself and your loved ones through this if you won't finish?

What are your future bodybuilding plans?

I will make a mark in the fitness industry. I created steps in my mind to accomplish it. The first was to enter a fitness or bodybuilding competition, which I did at the 2013 WBFF Boston Championship. I placed fifth in the fitness model category and was happy, but I want to get my pro card within a year. Next up is an NPC competition in November and another WBFF competition in December. I'm working on expand my blog and website to build a larger following.

What is the most important bodybuilding tip?

Be grateful to your loved ones and friends who help you get on stage. The lifestyle and road to competition is hard for competitors and those closest to them.

Who is your favorite bodybuilder?

How did bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

I avidly read the Forums and BodySpace to mingle with similar mindsets and mentalities. It's amazing to see so many people come together on Bodybuilding.com and share ideas and information with each other. I don't want to know how much I spend at Bodybuilding.com Store per year, but it's worth it.

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